making social networking safer
Social networking sites are now so prevalent, it’s difficult to completely control your child’s access to them. Instead, it’s a good idea to get to know how these kinds of sites work, and reach an understanding with your child that now and then you will check on who they are in contact with and what they’re posting.
Also, many children use usernames rather than their own names. It’s worth finding out what their username is, and what services they’re using, so you can keep an eye on what they’re up to.
If any problems do arise, use them as opportunities for you and your child to learn. There’s no point overreacting and banning them – these websites aren’t going away, and using the online environment responsibly is an important life skill.
Keeping in touch with the parents of your child’s friends is another good way of learning about any emerging issues.
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social networking – dangers
Web 2.0 sites like MySpace are also described as social-networking sites. People, and particularly children, use their sites to list their likes and dislikes, write blogs, and invite messages from other users. It can be a way of finding like-minded friends.
posting on the web – dangers
Nothing you post on the internet is private. Even removing a posting or a web site doesn’t guarantee it hasn't already been copied and posted elsewhere. Because of this, it’s very important to think carefully about what you post.
web 2.0 – talking points for children
Web 2.0 sites like MySpace and Bebo are very popular with children – but the ease and attractiveness of them can obscure the dangers. Here are some talking points to raise awareness of the main issues with children.
